In Italy, France and the Islands

Vermentino is an aromatic white wine variety whose native habitat is the Italian region of Liguria and the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica. On Corsica it is known as Malviose of Corsica. It is also becoming increasingly popular under the name of Rolle in Provence and in the Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Regions in Southern France.

On Sardinia the most highly regarded Vermentinos are from the DOCG region of Vermentino di Gallura in the North East of the island.

Vermentino wines in Australia

Vermentino and Sardines promotion

A few years ago a group of Australian Vermentino producers banded together to promote Vermentino is a series of events promoting the natural affinity of Vermentino with freshly grilled sardines. The promotion no longer takes place but the food pairing idea is immortal.

Since the turn of the century more Australian wineries, especially on the mild to warm Australian wine regions are turning to Vermentino.

The variety has the ability to produce wines with firm acidity and good flavour even under the hot conditions experienced in some recent vintages.

One indication of it's growing importance is that since 2009 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS) has had a class for Vermentino to be judged separately. Previously it was in the "other whites" classes.

In 2016 there were forty Vermentino wines judged at AAVWS.

My expectation is that this variety will play a prominent role in Australian wine regions that are too warm to produce quality wine from varieties like Chardonnay. In fact the variety is well known for its ability to withstand extreme heat waves.

What do you think about this variety?

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Australian Producers of Vermentino

There are now more than one hundred producers of this variety, a huge vote of confidence by Australian Winemakers, and the willingness of Australian winelovers to try something new.

Award winning Vermentino

At the AAVWS in 2016 there were 40 Vermentino wines judged. Four Gold medals were awarded, six Silvers and 11 bronzes.